Medford Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Medford Zoning Overview
Medford is the largest city in southern Oregon and the county seat of Jackson County, located in the Rogue Valley. The city serves as the regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and services in southern Oregon and northern California. Medford's economy is anchored by healthcare (Asante and Providence medical centers), agriculture (the Rogue Valley's pear and wine industries), and retail trade.
The city's zoning code is managed by the Planning Department under Oregon's statewide planning framework. Medford has experienced steady growth and has worked to accommodate housing needs while protecting surrounding agricultural land within its urban growth boundary. Wildfire risk from the surrounding forested landscape is an increasing planning concern.
Key Zoning Districts
Medford's land development code includes single-family residential districts (SFR-2 through SFR-10), multi-family residential districts (MFR-15, MFR-20, MFR-30), commercial districts (GC, SC, HC), and industrial zones. The downtown has a specific zoning designation encouraging mixed-use redevelopment.
ADU Regulations
Medford allows ADUs in all residential zones per Oregon HB 2001. No parking or owner-occupancy is required. ADUs can help address housing affordability challenges in the Rogue Valley market.
Development Process
The Planning Department reviews development applications. Major projects go before the Planning Commission. Medford's planning must comply with statewide goals and its urban growth boundary management agreement with Jackson County.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Medford
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Oregon
- Building Code: Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (HB 2001 / SB 458 - Cities over 2,500 must allow ADUs; no owner-occupancy or parking mandates)
County — Jackson County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 4,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 55 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Medford
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 24 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- None required (per state law)
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 4-8 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Medford are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Medford permit fees →